Salsa Perfomance-It’s Show Time

by Jana Jankovic

You &  Your Partner Are Ready

You’ve been practicing for months. Time, energy, and strength put into a routine you didn’t even know would blossom. At times you were frustrated, exhausted, impatient, perhaps even got hurt, but then when that song seeped through the speakers and your feet hit the floor to its luring rhythm, and the blood rushed through your veins, you knew there was nothing else that could replace that feeling.

Now, a few months later, you and your partner are ready. You’re ready to show others what you’ve been working so hard toward and impress your audience.

The Key to Being a Performer

Some people love performing and the energy it brings to the stage, while others become extremely nervous and lose focus. I believe that the median of both is the best balance before stepping on that stage. It’s always good to be a little nervous before doing something important because it means you care. You want to do well and show others what you’re capable of. However, it’s never good to be too nervous. This is the key to being a performer.

You and Your Partner At the Stage

People usually get nervous because they are afraid to fail, and if you think about failing you are likely to make the mistake you’ve been dreading. It is important to remember that the audience wants you to do well; they’re on your side. So even if you make a mistake, don’t focus on it and redeem yourself by blowing them away with the rest of your performance.

For those who love the audience, performing is a little easier. They will often do better on stage than in practice because they feel like they finally have someone to show their talent to. At the same time, an excess of this emotion can be dangerous as well since it’s possible for you to be too confident and therefore pay more attention to your surroundings than your steps. Suddenly you’ve forgotten the routine and the whole performance starts to lose its balance. That’s why it’s vital that you concentrate and think about what you’re doing while enjoying the viewers’ company.

If you and your partner are different when it comes to these approaches it’s a good idea that you transfer your energy to each other. This way, the over-confident dancer will be brought back to earth and focus on the steps while the nervous performer will gain some confidence and relax.

In the end, whatever the outcome may be, remember that with each performance your steps, attitude, and confidence will get better and better!